- Help
- Google+
Apple's VR headset (or spatial computer, as the company calls it), the Vision Pro, is a very expensive piece of kit, starting at $3,499.
But Apple employees can apparently get it cheaper, though perhaps not as cheap as they hoped for.
According to Bloomberg, Apple sent out a memo to employees telling them they're eligible for a 25 percent discount on the Vision Pro. That would take the headset's price down to the somewhat more digestible number of $2,624.
SEE ALSO: More Apple Vision Pro hands-on impressions: Heavy, but impressiveHowever, the same report claims that Apple typically offers a 50 percent discount to employees on its own product, such as the Apple Watch and the HomePod. A silver lining: Apple will also reimburse the cost of prescription lenses for the Vision Pro.
Bloomberg's report also claims that Apple sent a video to employees, showing the company's executives talking about the product's development, as well as potential growth areas. Reportedly, Apple sees health care, training and education as key uses for the product.
The Vision Pro becomes available for pre-order today, January 19, and it hits the stores on February 2.
Viral clothing brand Selkie is under fire for using AI art in its new clothing collection. For a company that built its reputation on ethical manufacturing and imaginative design, turning to machine-generated art isn't a great look.
This week Selkie revealed its 2024 Valentine's Day collection "Home Is Where the Heart Is," showing off a few of the new pieces in an Instagram post. Unfortunately, fans quickly realised something was amiss. Selkie's new collection includes several illustrations of animals, which are used on sweaters as well as a repeated patterns on dresses. However, keen-eyed observers noticed that one of the pictures featured a puppy with more toes than is typical of a dog.
SEE ALSO: That viral Selkie puff dress only works for the Instagram fantasy worldWhen questioned, Selkie confirmed that founder Kimberley Gordon created the images in its Valentine's Day collection using "vintage art, AI, and computer painting," which was also confirmed by its website's product listings. Though Selkie acknowledged that the technology is "controversial," the company stated that Gordon "loves the future of ai" and "believes it is something awesome to experiment with and an incredible tool for students, graphic designers, artists small businesses and alike!"
View this post on InstagramThis statement went down like a lead balloon. Disappointed fans overwhelmingly derided Selkie's use of generative AI, lambasting the company for turning to ethically dubious technology rather than commissioning real human artists — especially when it sells its polyester dresses for hundreds of dollars.
"If you have indeed done the research you claim to have on AI, then you also understand that it’s a technology that requires the theft and exploitation of workers to function," artist Lauryn Ipsum wrote in the post's most liked comment. "Is theft and exploitation something you want attached to your brand?"
Selkie has since limited comments on its Valentine's Day Instagram posts. Nevertheless, criticism about its use of AI continues to pour in from all sides, dominating conversations about the brand on Facebook, Twitter/X, and TikTok as well.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedThe revelation of Selkie's generative AI use appears to have significantly damaged its carefully curated fairytale fantasy image. Many people noted that while they were initially drawn to Selkie due to its ethical reputation, they no longer felt comfortable buying from the brand in light of its AI use. Even aside from such concerns, several commenters considered that Selkie's use of generative AI has cheapened its brand.
Yet despite the overwhelmingly negative reaction, Selkie has stood by its decision to use AI, stating that Gordon is an artist who has "utilized many different techniques in Selkie designs over the years."
"As an artist who enjoys technology, and seeing AI already being used by other brands in different ways, it felt important to learn this new medium and how it may or may not work for Selkie as a brand, and herself as an artist," Selkie wrote in an Instagram comment on their original post.
"Though the conversation around AI is constantly evolving — even from when this collection was designed a year ago, this is part of discovery, growth, and making sure that if this is the future of fashion, Selkie is ahead of the curve, not behind it. We are eager to see how this collection is received, and we will utilize customer feedback from this collection in determining how we may or may not utilize AI in the future."
If Selkie does indeed take on feedback, we can hope we won't see any more AI-generated design elements from the brand going forward. Even so, customers have expressed misgivings about trusting Selkie in the future.
Credit: SelkieThis distrust hasn't been alleviated by Gordon's reported defence of Selkie's AI use in several since-deleted comments from her personal Instagram account. While Selkie's founder appeared to acknowledge that generative AI is commonly built on stolen art, she stated that she didn't think using the technology was unjust, and attempted to justify it by stating that her own work has also been stolen in the past.
"There are a few reasons I stand behind it, the first being that I am a woman with a small business and the AI train is not going to stop because I'm not on it," Gordon allegedly wrote in screenshots shared on social media. "It is only going to grow and I think it's smart to move with the future and technology. The second reason is because AI uses billions of images to create an image, my own art is included in that! I've been making art public and having it stolen for 15 years and I have to overcome that. As a woman artist utilizing this tool in its own way is my rebellion against AI. I use it because it's mine, and it is yours, too."
It isn't clear exactly which AI model Selkie used to generate its images. Mashable has reached out to Selkie for comment.
"We all use phones mined with cobalt by children, we pick and choose our justices in this crazy world," Gordon purportedly further stated. She did not appear to address the fact that it is much more feasible to ethically source a painting of puppies than it is to ethically source a smartphone, or that one is far more vital for basic functioning in modern society than the other.
Selkie's puff dress went viral a few years ago, selling the magical escapist daydream many of us were craving at the time. Sadly, all dreams end, and in this case it seems like a pretty rude awakening.
TL;DR: Live stream Shang vs Alcaraz in the Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Who is going to win the Australian Open? A lot of people will be backing Novak Djokovic, and that prediction makes a lot of sense. But there's also a large group of fans who think Carlos Alcaraz has what it takes to go all the way. There's only one way to find out.
If you want to watch Shang vs Alcaraz in the Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Shang vs Alcaraz?Juncheng Shang vs Carlos Alcaraz will meet on Jan. 21.
How to watch Shang vs Alcaraz for freeEvery match from the 2024 Australian Open is available to stream for free on 9Now, including Shang vs Alcaraz.
9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can gain access to this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can connect to 9Now from anywhere in the world.
Access 9Now by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 9Now
Steam Shang vs Alcaraz for free
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 9Now without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Australian Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 9Now?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 9Now, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 94 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to five simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Shang vs Alcaraz for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Norrie vs. Ruud in the Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Cameron Norrie is looking good in this year's Australian Open, but Casper Ruud is going to be a seriously challenging matchup for the Brit. Norrie and Ruud have played each other three times before, with Ruud winning every match. But that could all change in Melbourne.
If you want to watch Norrie vs. Ruud in the Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Norrie vs. Ruud?Cameron Norrie and Casper Ruud will play their third round match on Jan. 21.
How to watch Norrie vs. Ruud for freeEvery match from the 2024 Australian Open is available to stream for free on 9Now, including Norrie vs. Ruud.
9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can gain access to this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can connect to 9Now from anywhere in the world.
Access 9Now from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 9Now
Steam Norrie vs. Ruud for free
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 9Now without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Australian Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 9Now?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing 9Now, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 94 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to five simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watch Norrie vs. Ruud for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Degoo Premium (10TB) is on sale for £79.09, saving you 90% on list price.
Since our lives are intertwined with technology, data protection is a paramount concern. If you don't have a backup for your data, photos, videos, and files, this could be a good opportunity to find something to suit your needs at a reduced price. Something like this Degoo Premium lifetime 10TB backup plan on sale for just £79.09.
With this Premium plan, you only have to pay once and get access for life. With a generous 10TB of cloud storage, Degoo Premium provides ample space for your precious data with the freedom to store, share, and access your files on your terms.
And if you're concerned about the security of such a platform, it might help to know that Degoo uses top-notch security measures to protect your data. Utilising super-secure 256-bit AES encryption protects your files from unauthorised access, ensuring that your memories, work, and essential documents remain confidential and secure.
Degoo uses the power of AI to enhance user experience. AI-based features like a private feed will help you rediscover favourite photos and life moments. And if you feel like sharing your files for work or to reminisce, you can send files via email, link, or messaging app.
With easy compatibility, Degoo can be used on a web browser or mobile device (Android and iOS).
Don't miss this special pricing on a Degoo Premium lifetime 10TB backup plan, on sale for the exclusively low price of £79.09.
Opens in a new window Credit: Degoo Degoo Premium: 10TB (Lifetime Subscription) £79.09 at the Mashable Shop Get DealEver wonder what a Mission: Impossible movie would look like if it centered on a 93-year-old grandmother? If so, you're in luck! Thelma is here to answer that curious query for you. And the answer is: downright delightful.
Following in the footsteps of action-comedies like the sports spoof Shaolin Soccer and the student heist flick Bad Genius, Thelma treats its low stakes with a tongue-in-cheek intensity. Action sequences — like a mobility scooter chase around a retirement home — are less nerve-rattling and more rib-tickling. Remarkably, the joke is never on the old folks at the movie's heart.
Thelma is inspired by a true story — sort of. June Squibb and Fred Hechinger play grandma and grandson in "Thelma." Credit: David BolenWritten and directed by Josh Margolin, Thelma stars Academy Award nominee June Squibb (Nebraska) as a widowed nonagenarian who is a "little wobbly" but a "very determined…tough cookie." So, when some scammers trick her out of thousands by pretending to be her beloved grandson Daniel (Fear Street's Fred Hechinger) in desperate need of bail money, Thelma isn't going to just sit back and take it.
Thelma's daughter Gail (Parker Posey) and son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg) are just relieved no one got hurt, and the police simply shrug when Thelma reports the swindle. Daniel is dealing with troubles of his own, like a break-up and his parents' suffocating attention. So, Thelma recruits her reluctant pal Ben (Shaft's Richard Roundtree in his final film performance) to help her track down the crooks and get her money back!
Incredibly, Margolin drew from personal inspiration to craft this tale. In real life, his own adored grandmother is a sharp lady who'd been conned over the phone by scammers exploiting her love of her family. Rattled that some creep could take advantage of his Thelma, Margolin imagined a Hollywood scenario where she could get her happy ending — and the crook his just desserts. While the resulting film takes a lot of liberties with the truth, Margolin's love for his grandmother shines through in how his senior heroine is depicted.
SEE ALSO: Scammers weaponize iPhone 15 overheating issue to steal users' phones June Squibb and Richard Roundtree are a dynamic duo.Too often in films, the elderly are painted as tragic, dotty, or definitely past their prime. Thelma rejects this ageist trope (see also: Swan Song and Grumpy Old Men), painting its eponymous protagonist as a vibrant woman who values her independence, hates the discomfort of her MedicAlert bracelet, and appreciates a good Tom Cruise action movie. All her "friends are dead," but she advises doting grandson Daniel that they've got to be like Tom Cruise and "always land on your feet."
SEE ALSO: 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' review: Tom Cruise does action rom-comThrough a casual but comedic introduction of this cross-generational hangout, Margolin gives us a good feel for who Thelma is on an average day. But once that crooked call comes through, we see an exciting new side of her as she treks through Los Angeles to seek out the scammers — mobility issues be damned! Tapping into a classic good-cop/bad-cop dynamic, Thelma is a rule-breaker while her old friend Ben (Roundtree) is a by-the-books guy, happily whiling away his days in a retirement community. That is, until Thelma kicks him into gear.
Squibb and Roundtree share a warm chemistry that feels like they've known each other for decades. She's the feisty grandma who's so familiar that I admittedly teared up missing my own. (Monica was a total Thelma.) He's a man who's earned his retirement, but age hasn't robbed him of boldness or kindness. Together, they pull off comically low-stakes action sequences, like a showdown with the iconic Malcolm McDowell that is as surprising and exciting as it is hilarious. Amid this senior-specific action, there are great one-liners, like Thelma's insistence that she can figure out how to use a stolen gun: "How hard can it be? Idiots use them all the time!"
Thelma is a tale of underdogs coming out on top. Parker Posey, Fred Hechinger, and Clark Gregg in "Thelma." Credit: David BolenLike the classic Shel Silverstein poem The Little Boy and the Old Man, Thelma presents the plights of being old and young as parallels. At the film's start, both Thelma and 24-year-old Daniel are underestimated by Gail and Alan, whose coddling — while well-intentioned — can feel condescending. And both feel adrift, unsure of what their next chapter can offer. But inspired by Tom Cruise and his determination to do his own Mission: Impossible stunts, Thelma and Daniel find they can be their own heroes.
Hechinger's crooked grin carries a mischievousness that pairs perfectly with Squibb's determined glare. They are kindred spirits in reckless adventure. Elegantly and warmly, Margolin's movie reminds us that age is just a number, as shown by how these two truly see each other across generational barriers. It's beyond heart-warming — watching these characters rediscover themselves while supporting each other is good for the soul.
In the end, Thelma laughs at the absurdity of aging, not the elderly. While there are jokes about senility and the infirmities that come with getting older, Thelma and her friends aren't the butt of them. We all are. There's a comforting relatability in their obstacles' familiarity, which never tips into bleakness; the tone of the film is determinedly resilient, and its color palette soft and inviting. These heroes might fall, but like Tom Cruise, they'll get up again, perhaps inspiring us as they rise. Bolstered by some cheeky action tropes, including twists, chases, gunplay, and even an explosion, Thelma is more than a winsome romp. It's a real thrill.
Thelma was reviewed out of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for Jan. 19's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for Jan. 18.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:An object.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no letters that appear twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to Wordle #944 is...
THING.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for January 19's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Ice cream add-ons
Green: Ghosted
Blue: What the fudge
Purple: Tounge rhymes
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Sundae Toppings
Green: Leave High and Dry
Blue: "Phooey!"
Purple: Words in Tounge Twisters
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to Connections #222 is...
What is the answer to Connections todaySundae Toppings: CHERRY, FUDGE, NUTS, SPRINKLES
Leave High and Dry: DESERT, DITCH, MAROON, STRAND
"Phooey!": CURSES, DARN, RATS, SHOOT
Words in Tounge Twisters: FUZZY, PEPPERS, SEASHELLS, WOODCHUCK
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...